Rumor: New PSP to debut next month

 With all this chatter about new iPhones and 3D-enabled Nintendo handhelds, it's easy to forget that Sony is a player in the portable space, too. A much smaller player, for sure, but they're still in the game.

And according to rumors, they could be back in the spotlight very soon.

Is a new version of this Sony favorite on its way?

MCV claims that sources from several PSP game publishers have told the site that a new system is soon to be revealed. Two of these publishers informed MCV of a "significant increase in marketing" over the lucrative holiday season, while another explained that they were "waiting on a specific announcement" from Sony before revealing any future PSP plans.

It's the latest in a long line of PSP 2 rumors, though the timing finally makes sense: next month sees the video game industry converge on Los Angeles for the annual E3 video game conference. Information on Microsoft'sProject Natal, Nintendo's 3DS and Sony's ownPlaystation Move are sure to grab headlines, but Sony could certainly steal more if they unveiled a new portable.

And they could certainly use renewed interest in their handheld division. Sales of the PSP have been lagging for quite some time, paling next to what Nintendo has managed with the DS and doing little to slow downApple's iPhone and iPod Touch combo. The company's more recent release, the PSP Go, has been considered something of a bust.

Rumor: New PSP to debut next month